Our Journey to the Summit

MWVYP~Taking Big Steps Towards the Future

In this month of April a core group of the Mount Washington Valley Young Professionals will be rounding the corner on “Communities and Opportunities,”a project aimed at bringing the community together and highlighting the unique assets of the Mount Washington Valley.  Currently to date, the YP’s along with Da Vinci Consulting have interviewed over 50 individuals from all walks of life.  In the very first stages, common themes were already emerging!  On Thursday, April 14th the YP’s will complete a thematic analysis of all of the interviews.  From this they will build a foundation for the last part of the project entitled “Journey to the Summit.”  In this last phase, the YP is asking the community to join us in round table discussions to help develop action plans that will lead us to a positive and sustainable future for the Mount Washington Valley.  FMI: Contact David Rudewick 603-447-2350 or email Kelly J. Evans at EVENTS@mwvyp.com.

5MinuteNetworking A Huge Success!

Recently a group of 30 individuals from the valley took part in the new revolution of networking…5 Minute Networking!  Based on the ever popular speed dating, this networking software proves to be top notch.  The event provided opportunity for individuals to network on various situations whether it be business related or personal.  Bottom line, networking is such an important tool but widely underutilized.  5 Minute Networking takes the edge off and allows individuals to network with up to 20 other colleagues.  In addition it stores your contact’s information in an on-line account which in turn keeps track so that you are always networking with new people at each event!

The MWVYP is excited to offer this unique event in the valley and looks forward to hosting more!  If your organization or business is interested in hosting a 5 Minute Networking event…

Contact Kelly J.Evans (events@mwvyp.com) for more information!

Young Professionals’ “Communities and Opportunities” Project Partners with University System’s “55% Initiative”

Stephen Reno, Chancellor of the University System of New Hampshire, met recently with leaders of the Mt. Washington Valley Young Professionals (MWVYP’s) in North Conway to discuss their current project, “Communities and Opportunities,” and to explore a possible partnership. Knowing of the University System’s “55% Initiative,” the YP’s wished to develop an alignment that would further the interests of both.

Launched in 2007, the 55% Initiative seeks to encourage more soon-to-be and recent graduates of New Hampshire’s colleges and universities to stay, work, and play in the Granite State. The effort was prompted by a convergence of several factors. New Hampshire is a “graying” state; its population the sixth oldest nationally. More of its current workforce is closer to retirement than to the beginning of their working lives. And, most importantly, notwithstanding the current recession, NH employers are finding it difficult to fill key positions in their businesses. Chancellor Reno has been meeting with business, professional, and community leaders and policy makers across the state to develop a comprehensive strategy to make young people aware of the opportunities of living and working in New Hampshire.

The YP’s developed the concept leading to their project “Communities and Opportunities,” following both the interest generated by the 55% Initiative and the recent screening of the film “Communities and Consequences,” a documentary profiling the graying of New Hampshire and some of the factors contributing to it. These include a lack of affordable housing, inadequate opportunities for education, and an overall sense on the part of young people of not feeling welcome in their communities.

Working with daVinci Consulting, the YP’s launched “Communities and Opportunities” to identify critical assets and strengths of the Mt. Washington Valley and to find ways of working together to build upon those. The YP’s plan an “appreciative inquiry” process that will engage citizens of all ages in conversations about what they value and what they feel works well in our community. Already, the project has brought together community elders, high school students, and young professionals and trained them as interviewers to meet with residents across the Valley. The interview transcripts will be analyzed to identify primary themes, values, and concerns. This information will be shared with a much larger group at a “World Café” summit in May. From this, the YP’s expect to develop action plans that will not only enhance the community but will enjoy a wide range of support.

David Rudewick, Co-Chair of the MWVYP, and Executive Director of the School-to-Career Partnership, observes, “The opportunity to partner with the 55% Initiative is an incredible honor and will be a boost to our efforts here to foster a community in which old and young alike enjoy the benefits of living, working, and playing together.”

FMI Contact: David Rudewick, 603-447-2350

5 Minute Networking is BACK!

If you missed our last 5 Minute Networking event at Tuckerman’s Tavern…then here is your chance to experience the new revolution in networking!  This time there are ONLY 40 seats available, first come, first network!

Today’s hottest trend in networking and professional relationship-building has arrived. 5 Minute Networking, often referred to as the business-equivalent of “speed dating,” lets individuals meet each other one-on-one in five-minute increments, resulting in a fast-paced, exciting networking experience.  5 Minute Networking provides a forum where business people are guaranteed to meet a significant number of contacts in a short period of time, an asset to professionals looking to quickly broaden their sphere of influence and network base. Business owners and executives in the Mount Washington Valley can experience the fun and efficiency of 5 Minute Networking at the MWVYP’s second event, being held on Thursday, March 19th, 2009 at 6:00pm at the Flatbread Company.

Register here!

FMI: Download the Flyer Here and Pass it along!

Or contact Kelly, Events Gal—>EVENTS@MWVYP.com

New YP Co-Chairs Feature

When previous YP Chair Steffani Adaska stepped up to the plate a year and a half ago, her term was only supposed to be temporary.  She activley became involved with the Governer’s Task Force to retain young professionals within NH and also put together a Strategic Planning Workshop for current YP members, utilizing the Dale Carnegie Program.  While focusing on the growth of the YP membership, Adaska was greeted by two young professionals with much to offer.  After pondering for quite a while and sharing a few tears, Adaska stepped down as Chair of the YP and welcomed David Rudewick and Staci Blair to the seat!  Steffani made huge contributions to the current foundation of the YP and we are grateful for her efforts!

Many thanks Steffani!  And a huge welcome to Staci and David!

New YP Co-Chairs featured on Mount Washington Valley News Blog!

Welcome to the MWVYP Blog!

Thanks for visiting us!  The MWVYP Blog is your direct connection to the most up to date happenings with the YP!  Other ways to stay in the loop include our website MWVYP.org, where you can sign-up for our E-News, and check out MWVYP on Facebook!